Driver fleeing police ejected in deadly crash at Broadway and Penn

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - A swerving driver nearly struck a Minneapolis policed squad car head-on, then led officers on a high-speed chase that ended in a deadly crash at the intersection of Penn Avenue N. and West Broadway.

According to Minneapolis police, two officers were patrolling the area of Penn Avenue N. and 36th Avenue N. at 1:09 a.m. when they noticed a southbound vehicle swerving. Officers took evasive measures to avoid being struck head-on by the car, then turned around and pulled the car over near 35th Avenue N.

Officers approached the car and attempted to make contact with the driver, but the driver refused to roll down his window or even acknowledge the officers’ presence. As the officers knocked on the window, the driver put the car in gear and sped away. Officers went back to their squad and initiated a pursuit.

The suspect vehicle entered the intersection of Penn Avenue and West Broadway and struck the front end of a minivan waiting to turn from eastbound Broadway onto northbound Penn Avenue. The suspect vehicle then crashed into a vacant building at that intersection, ejecting the driver from the car. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver and passenger of the minivan were not injured.

The Minnesota State Patrol responded to the scene to assist the Minneapolis Police Department's Traffic Unit with the crash reconstruction. The Medical Examiner will provide the identity of the deceased along with the nature and cause of death.